In the recent years, the popularity of Black Diamonds has been rapidly growing and ever more jewelry styles are being based on Black Diamonds. Did you know that although you will find many striking dissimilarities between Black Diamonds and traditional diamonds, they are both equally hard and black diamonds are just slightly lower in cost.

When buying black diamonds whether loose or preset, there are a few points you should educate yourself with.

Understand The Distinction Between Natural and Enhanced Black Diamonds

Natural Black Diamonds are that ones that are naturally black due to several plate like inclusions, mostly graphite. Inclusions are gaseous or other particles that get trapped in the diamonds when they created.

Due to the many inclusions, natural black diamonds are very challenging to cut and polish. Not only are they extremely porous, but they enclose many fractures and cracks that make them unsuitable for most conventional jewelry.

Most of the black diamonds you come across in jewelry thus are treated or enhanced black diamonds. These diamonds are subjected to extreme temperatures or irradiation to make them seem black. These diamonds will be cut and finished to perfection just as any diamond.

Though there’s nothing wrong with buying treated diamonds in favor of their improved quality, you must recognize that is what you are buying.

The best way to determine if a black diamond is natural or treated is to hold a bright megalite or fiber optic light at the narrow edge of the diamond and look form the other side. If you see dark green or even dark brown edges, it is a treated or enhanced diamond.

A treated black diamond is also a diamond but will not pass the DiamondNite tester because the conductivity of a diamond changes after it is enhanced.

 

Recognize The 4 ‘C’s

If you’re in the market to purchase a diamond be it a black diamond or any other color, you need to familiarize yourself with the 4 ‘C’s for checking a diamond’s worth.

These are Cut, Color, Clarity & Carat Weight. These are the 4 most important factors for evaluating a diamond & deciding how high or low it will cost.
Obtain The Paperwork

Every diamond you purchase should come with an Origin Report and be certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), or American Gem Society (AGS) in the USA.

While purchasing Black Diamonds, be sure that the diamond says whether it is natural or enhanced. Look for the words ‘treated’, ‘enhanced’, or ‘fancy black’ for enhanced black diamonds.

 

Black diamonds make a fine present which is not going to cost you a few paychecks but are still just as merrily received as the gift of clear diamonds. Black diamonds have mystery and charm tied to them due to their striking appearance and intriguing history.

You can find some fascinating facts about black diamonds at www.squidoo.com/black-diamonds-for-all along with a more detailed black diamond buying guide that is sure to arm you with all the information about Black Diamonds.